The holidays are all about comfort, joy, and delicious treats—and your dog deserves to join in the celebration too. These Christmas Cheese & Bacon Dog Bites are savory, crunchy, and full of flavor, with no artificial ingredients or additives. They’re made with real cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and wholesome flour, turning simple ingredients into irresistible holiday snacks.
They smell amazing while baking, and even picky dogs can’t resist them. Whether you’re filling a festive treat jar or gifting homemade goodies to other pet parents, these bites bring a little Christmas cheer to every wagging tail.
Why Your Dog Will Love This Recipe
Cheese and bacon are two flavors most dogs can’t resist. Combined in a crunchy, bite-sized treat, they make the perfect reward or special occasion snack. These cookies are crisp on the outside with a light, chewy center, offering both taste and texture that keep dogs coming back for more. Plus, they’re baked from scratch, so you know exactly what’s going into every bite—pure, wholesome goodness.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 4–5 strips)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tablespoons water (as needed for texture)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (for fresh breath)
- 1 tablespoon grated carrot or zucchini (for color and moisture)
Pro Tips
- Cook bacon until crispy, then pat dry to remove excess grease before adding it to the dough.
- Use finely shredded cheese so it melts evenly throughout the treats.
- Roll the dough evenly for consistent baking and texture.
- Cool completely before storing to keep the treats crisp.
- Freeze half the batch if you’re baking ahead for holiday gifting.
Tools Required
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife or cookie cutters
- Cooling rack
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Replace with oat or rice flour for a wheat-free version.
- Cheese: Use low-fat mozzarella or Parmesan instead of cheddar.
- Bacon alternative: Try turkey bacon or leave it out for a lighter snack.
- Applesauce swap: Use pure pumpkin puree or mashed banana.
- Holiday shapes: Cut into stars, bells, or bone shapes for a festive look.
Make Ahead Tips
You can make the dough up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it soften slightly at room temperature before rolling.
Baked treats freeze well for up to two months. Once completely cooled, store in airtight bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.
These also make great gifts—fill small jars or tins, add a bow, and share them with other dog lovers during the holidays.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the egg, applesauce, and water. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Add flour, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon to the bowl. Mix until a thick dough forms. If it feels too dry, add another tablespoon of water or applesauce.
Step 4: Roll and Cut
Lightly flour your surface and roll the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters—small stars or bone shapes work perfectly for Christmas treats.
Step 5: Bake
Place the shaped treats on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until golden brown and firm. For extra crunch, turn off the oven and leave them inside for 10–15 minutes as it cools.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Transfer the treats to a cooling rack and let them cool completely before serving or storing.
Serving Suggestions
- Offer one or two as a daily treat
- Use for training sessions or after outdoor walks
- Wrap in decorative tins or bags for homemade holiday gifts
- Mix with carrot or pumpkin treats for a colorful assortment
- Serve at your dog’s Christmas celebration alongside a holiday “pup latte”
Allergy-Friendly Substitutions
- Wheat-free: Use oat or chickpea flour
- Dairy-free: Omit cheese and add 2 tablespoons mashed sweet potato for flavor and moisture
- Egg-free: Replace with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water)
- Low-fat option: Use turkey bacon and low-fat cheese, or reduce cheese to 1/4 cup
- No bacon: Substitute with shredded chicken or leave plain for a simple cheese version
Leftovers and Storage
Allow the treats to cool completely before storing:
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
- Refrigerator: Keeps for 2 weeks in a sealed container
- Freezer: Store for up to 2 months; thaw before serving
- Re-crisping tip: Refresh soft treats by baking at 300°F for 5–7 minutes
If packaging for gifts, let them air-dry overnight on the counter before sealing to maintain crispness.
Nutrition & Benefits
These savory treats are full of nutrients and protein-packed ingredients. Cheese provides calcium and flavor while bacon adds aroma and natural appeal. Whole wheat flour offers fiber and slow-release energy, keeping your dog satisfied. Eggs deliver protein and healthy fats, while applesauce provides mild sweetness and moisture without added sugar.
This combination makes the treats both tasty and nourishing—perfect for holiday celebrations or as a special weekend snack.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits?
A: Yes, as long as they’re low-sodium and don’t contain artificial flavorings or preservatives.
Q: Can I make these softer?
A: Bake for about 15 minutes instead of 25. Store soft treats in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Q: Can I shape these into small balls instead of cutouts?
A: Absolutely—just roll small pieces of dough into balls and flatten slightly with a fork before baking.
Q: Can humans eat them?
A: Yes—everything is safe, but they’re not seasoned, so they’ll taste quite plain.
Q: Are these good for puppies?
A: Yes, as long as your puppy tolerates cheese and small amounts of bacon. Break into small pieces for easy chewing.
Recipe Wrap-Up
These Christmas Cheese & Bacon Dog Bites bring savory flavor and holiday spirit straight to your dog’s treat jar. With crispy edges, cheesy aroma, and just the right touch of bacon, they’re a festive way to spoil your pup while keeping things wholesome.
Perfect for gifting or sharing at holiday gatherings, these treats will make every dog feel included in the celebration—and they’ll be waiting by the oven the next time you bake them.